Things of shell and concrete

I have been trying to be a good, regular blogger, I really have, but time has been just getting away from me lately. I've no sooner met one job deadline, when another one looms over me, menacing any free time I might have.
On a more pleasant note, I've just got my hands on a new swan. This one is 50s style and covered in shells.

I scored it on Ebay, and as if you weren't jealous enough, I also got a matching bunny.
When I went to collect it from the other side of town, I also bought these two old cannisters. When you have an open pantry, you can't have too many pretty cannisters.

Remember these - paper straws. They used to be the norm, but now they are an expensive novelty. I got these ones from Olive Home.

On the weekend we went to Cedar Creek at Samford. On the way we went past this masterful stone bridge, it really is something and worth a look if you happen to find yourself on Cedar Creek Road. I've got no idea what the house looks like, but I'm hoping it is equally spectacular.

Since you mentioned outdoor rooms, let me show you this one. It's irrelevant, but it looks great all the same.

Friday I am off on a road trip up north to see my Dad. I'm taking the girls and my sister is coming along for the ride too. I'm hoping to haul back some kitschy treasures!
On a more serious matter, I have been looking for some months now for an old concrete garden swan, with no luck. I was most alarmed recently to read on Anna Spiro's blog that she is onto them too. That is the last thing I need, for something apparently so rare to begin with, to be suddenly so desirable. Plus, no one appreciates swans like I do. If any one has any information which may lead me to one, I would be most appreciative. I would even settle for a concrete donkey at this stage, the style with two baskets (where you put the plants).